RANDOLPH, NJ - Come out to The Brundage Park Playhouse to catch Disney’s “My Son Pinocchio Jr”, a spin on the original classic tale of the puppet turned boy. Put on by the kids of the Brundage Playhouse cast, the show is entertaining for the whole family.

“My Son Pinocchio Jr” is a twist to the original classic. The show tells the story, but from father, Geppetto’s point of view. The story gives a different perspective on what Geppetto wanted and provides a good life lesson in the process. “ I liked the message, that it’s not only the kid who has to learn, it’s the dad that has to learn too; how to be a dad,” said Director Mark Carovale.

Geppetto is played by Brundage cast regular, Zachary Baccaro. Like most of the cast, Zach has performed before and grown up with the theater. “Coming back is just kind of a habit for me. I work here during the summer; I do a lot here, it’s just my way of giving back,” said Baccaro. In this production, the cast’s ages ranged from 12 to 17 years old due to the work load that comes along with a part.

“You do everything yourself, this is the production crew,” said Music Director Nola Young. Each crew member not only had a part in the play, but a part in the production crew whether it’s props or stage setup. Brundage Theater veteran Alicia Vega not only had the job of playing the main role of “blue fairy”, but also took on the role of head choreographer for the first time. “It’s such a collaborative effort,” said Vega.

The show consist of a little over 20 different musical acts with a 15 minute intermission. Most of the acts have a small dialogue section and conclude with a solo or song from the cast. The small theater setting and use of the whole theater lets the audience really feel like they are in the story.

The story is a flashback of toymaker Geppetto’s first days with son Pinocchio. Geppetto makes a wish to the five fairies that his puppet would become alive too, and be his son. The fairies grant his wish and make the puppet, Pinocchio, a real boy.

Pinocchio played by Ryan Domalewski, is different from most children which Geppetto resents. Geppetto regrets ever getting Pinocchio after he doesn’t act as expected and begs to return him to the fairies. After flashing back through the days to show the fairies Pinocchio’s poor behavior, Geppetto realizes how special Pinoochio really is and that it’s him that needs to change and not his son. Geppetto comes to his senses too late though and must fight to get Pinocchio back before losing him forever.

Domalewski expressed "It is fun acting and singing like a puppet, and it is fun working with a great cast and directors."

The kid casted show is entertaining for the whole family and gives a valuable lesson to all. The next shows are July 19th and 20th at 2:00 p.m., July 25th at 8:00 p.m, and July 26th and 27th at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are available at the door or reservations can be made by calling (973) 989-7092 or visiting www.brundageparkplayhouse.org

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